Winter storm hits SE Minn., Wis. and Iowa

GOLDEN VALLEY, Minn. - A powerful winter storm system continues to push through the midwest Thursday with the brunt of it throwing a punch at far southeast Minnesota, northeast Iowa, and central and southern Wisconsin.

The metro was spared most of this storm receiving a mere dusting in the west metro, to as much as an inch or two in the southeast metro. Just southeast of the Twin Cities a few places are picking up 3 inches with snowfall amounts increasing rapidly as you head further into southeast Minnesota with up to 4 to 7 inches toward Rochester and La Crosse.

The jackpot for snow will be central Wisconsin, with as much as 8 to 14 inches or more falling. That snow will be blown around by 30-40 mph winds.

The Twin Cities metro missed most of the snow but we'll see our share of the wind and cold. Temps will be steady in the low 20s Thursday with sustained winds at 15-30 mph and higher gusts. Skies will clear out early Thursday night and early Friday morning with temps dipping into the single digits. Friday will bring a return to sunshine with continued chilly conditions.

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